A fertility expert, Professor Sina Oladokun, stated that technologies such as genetic testing of IVF-created embryos could help more women with unexplained infertility conceive more quickly.
Professor Oladokun, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, spoke at the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT) August 2025 seminar series titled “Unexplained Infertility: Role of Technology and Application Challenges.
He stated that, with advancements in technology since the first IVF pregnancy in 1978, effective treatments are now available for cases of unexplained infertility in couples.
Professor Oladokun said about one in every six million people worldwide is affected by infertility, cutting across different socioeconomic classes and represents a serious medical and social problem regardless of cultural background.
He stated that although assisted reproduction programmes already offer a variety of treatment options for infertile couples, many people are unable to access them due to their high cost and significant time commitment.
The don said that a diagnosis of infertility is made after both female and male partners undergo standard tests to identify any possible structural, hormonal, or other factors that may contribute to or cause infertility.
He said a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is made when a couple fails to achieve pregnancy despite regular, unprotected intercourse, and no structural, hormonal, or other factors contributing to or causing infertility can be identified.
According to Professor Oladokun, most cases of infertility previously labelled as unexplained were actually caused by genetic factors in either the male or female individual.
“These advancements provide a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic factors influencing fertility. With current technology, nearly all causes of infertility, including those previously classified as unexplained, can now be addressed through IVF.
“When abnormal sperm parameters are suspected, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is readily available for such cases. Advances in technology have improved embryo selection, allowing you to choose embryos with a higher likelihood of implantation and sustained pregnancy development.
“In cases where genetic or chromosomal abnormalities are suspected, we can perform pre-implantation genetic testing to screen embryos and select those free of such mutations, thereby increasing the individual’s chances of a successful pregnancy.
“For a number of reasons, we can attempt to preserve these eggs. Later, you can return for IVF, and they will still be able to achieve pregnancy. Alternatively, a surrogate mother can be used.
“The other area that is already gaining ground, especially in advanced countries and leading clinics, is what we call endometrial receptivity. This involves determining the readiness of the endometrium in women experiencing recurrent implantation failure. In these cases, there are inherent endometrial issues.”
READ ALSO: UI raises alarm over increased IVF egg donation among female students
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